Football / FA Cup Semi-Final: Switch to higher gear for Giggs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FOR AN hour at Wembley yesterday, Ryan Giggs, the most gifted young player of his generation, was peripheral, unable to impose his prodigious talent on a faltering FA Cup semi-final, writes Henry Winter.
The Manchester United player hardly touched the ball in the first half, beyond the odd dead-ball strike. But 15 minutes after the main interval, Alex Ferguson ordered Giggs to switch flanks with Lee Sharpe and the crowd was treated to some of the winger's better moments. 'Ryan likes to get an early touch but didn't today,' the United manager said, 'so we moved him to the right side so he could beat men, which he did. This was a plus.'
In the first half, against the inexperienced Chris Makin, Giggs fared poorly; paradoxically against the veteran Neil Pointon, he threatened to drag United out of one of their most unimaginative spells this season. Combining an impressive turn of speed with his close control, Giggs was able to enter the vast space behind Pointon but the Welshman's final ball often let the side down.
The 20-year-old appeared more keen on assuming responsibility as the match wore on. In the 80th minute, he confused Makin and Rick Holden in a 70- yard dash, curtailed only when Makin sprinted back to foul him. But Giggs sent the 25-yard free-kick harmlessly over.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments